TELL THE STATE LEGISLATURE THAT WE WANT PLASTIC WATER BOTTLE DEPOSITS!

People have been trying to get the New York State government to include plastic water bottles in our Bottle Bill, the legislation that decides which containers have deposits and which don't, for years. The Legislature and Governor have finally agreed to make that Poland Spring bottle in your bag refundable, making it more likely to be recycled. But rumor has it that the Senate is backing away from the deal. That's where you come in.

Call Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith today at 518-455-2701 and tell him that you want more recycling, not less—especially if that means an extra $100 million for the state, which collection of these bottles is expected to provide. Then make sure to email the folks at Audobon New York at lmccarthy@audubon.org, telling them you've called so they can keep track of how many people are getting involved. Or you could email the Senator at masmith@senate.state.ny.us. Audobon New York has provided a sample letter which can be found below. You can send it verbatim, change it up, or start fresh. It's up to you how it gets done—just do it.
 

Subject: Please Pass the Bigger Better Bottle Bill

Dear Senator Malcolm Smith,

As a New York State resident, I urge you to stand strong on your agreement to expand the Bottle Bill, and not cave in to industry pressure.

Not only will this Bigger Better Bottle Bill promote recycling, conserve energy and natural resources, reduce the amount of waste ending up in landfills and incinerators, but it will generate significant revenues for the state in these difficult fiscal times by capturing the unclaimed nickel deposits.

Thank you for your consideration of this request.

Sincerely,